Obama Orders One-Year Moratorium on Road-Building in Forests

The Obama administration is ordering a one-year moratorium on most road-building and other development on about 50 million acres of remote national forests.

Vilsack said his interim directive — which takes effect immediately — will provide clarity that should help protect national forests until the Obama administration develops a long-term roadless policy.

"Despite numerous attempts to undermine the roadless rule, America's pristine roadless areas remain almost completely intact." - Kristen Boyles, roads-opposing attorney